New York City just passed a major speed restriction for e-bikes. Beginning on October 24th, 2025, a new citywide speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bicycles took effect across all five boroughs.
The restriction, which limits e-bikes to 15 mph, was announced by Eric Adams several months ago in response to safety concerns about speeding riders on crowded streets and bike lanes.
“I have heard, over and over again, from New Yorkers about how their safety – and the safety of their children – has been put at risk due to speeding e-bikes and e-scooters, and today, our administration is saying enough,” Adams said at the time.
While initial steps, such as limiting the maximum speed of electronic Citibikes, have been taken, questions remain about how the new rules will be enforced and what protections remain for riders.
If you or a loved one routinely operates e-bikes or has been injured in an accident, contact our experienced New York City attorneys to learn more about the new regulation and your right to compensation if injured.
Mayor Adams Announces the New Speed Limit
Mayor Eric Adams first announced the proposed 15 mph speed limit in June 2025, following months of complaints from New Yorkers concerned about accidents and near-misses involving speeding e-bikes.
“The new 15 miles-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes is about keeping New Yorkers safe while continuing to keep our city moving,” said Mayor Adams. This new regulation adds to the growing list of infrastructure that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has created to make riding safer for all New Yorkers.
What was the timeline of the new NYC speed limit for e-bikes?
- July 15, 2025 – The Department of Transportation officially adopted the rule change after holding a public hearing.
- September 31, 2025 – The final rule was published in the New York City Record.
- October 24, 2025 – New speed limit takes effect, limiting all e-bikes, motorized scooters, and class A mopeds to 15 mph.
DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez cited international best standards for the new speed limit, particularly those in the European Union, where e-bikes have long been limited to 25 kilometers per hour (approximately 15 mph) in bike lanes.
H2: Understanding the New E-Bike Speed Limit
The new rule applies citywide to all e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assisted commercial bicycles operating on New York City streets, bike lanes, and pathways in city-operated parks.
Under the new regulation, riders are prohibited from operating their e-bikes or e-scooters above 15 mph on any city street, regardless of the posted speed limit for motor vehicles. This means that even on streets where cars can travel at 25 mph, e-bike riders must stay at or below 15 mph.
The new speed limit will be enforced by the NYPD and the Department of Transportation in coordination. While we are still waiting to determine if these new restrictions will be enforced by cameras, it is important that riders begin to be wearier of their speeds in the city. What we do know is that Riders caught exceeding the 15 mph limit may face fines, and in severe cases, their bikes could be impounded.
Delivery companies like DoorDash have expressed support for the new limit, with the company stating that it backed the city’s “common sense” approach to keeping riders and pedestrians safe.
How the New Limit Applies to Personal Injury Cases
Imagine you’re a DoorDash driver and are on your way to deliver lunch to a customer in Manhattan when a car door suddenly opens in front of you. The impact throws you onto the asphalt, breaks your leg, and leaves you unable to work for months.
This is the scenario, and those like it are the reality that thousands of New Yorkers injured in e-bike accidents must come to terms with.
Prior to this new law, if the rider was operating at a reasonable speed and within the bike lane or an appropriate part of the road, there would be grounds for the rider to recover for the following:
| Type of Damage | What it Covers |
| Medical Bills | Surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work, reduced earning capacity |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Property Damage | E-bike repairs, personal belongings, clothing, electronics damaged |
| Future Costs | Ongoing medical care, future surgeries, therapy |
Now let’s assume the rider was travelling at 25 mph. This speed limit violation can be considered “negligence per se,” a legal concept where violation of a speed limit is considered automatic proof of negligence.
In this case, the rider would not be able to recover, as speeding would render them responsible for the accident.
What to do in case of an accident:
The new 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes creates important legal protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an e-bike or e-scooter, whether the rider was speeding or not, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
These new regulations require riders to be more cautious and avoid exceeding the speed limit, as doing so can expose them to significant liability.
If you have questions about the new speed limit or how it might apply to your case, we’re here to help. Contact Leav & Steinberg today for a free consultation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident and bicycle transportation accident attorneys. Call us at (347) 919-1316 to speak with an attorney during normal business hours and learn about your path to recovery.
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